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Jul 21 An Island Unto Itself

Even if you don’t live in New York City, the jail’s reputation has outgrown its geography, delivering some of the most consistent reminders of flaws in the American criminal justice system.

It has become the site of too many stories about what happens behind jail walls, out of public view. Mayor Bill de Blasio has promised to close the jail because of its brutal past and present.

Rikers Island is where 16 year old Kalief Browder, accused in 2010 of stealing a backpack, was held for more than three years without trial, mostly in solitary confinement.

Source: NYC Department of Correction

His family couldn't afford bail. During his incarceration, he was beaten by guards and other inmates, and he attempted suicide several times. Once free, unable to overcome the trauma, he did indeed commit suicide.

It's happening again.

Shaun King writes in the New York Daily News: “No case has reminded me more of Kalief Browder than that of Pedro Hernandez. Except what's happening to Pedro right now comes after years and years of politicians promising that what happened to Kalief would never happen again. But damn it, it's happening again, and all of New York is to blame.”